Syracuse, N.Y. — Law enforcement officers in Syracuse discharged a firearm at a dog on Saturday afternoon after the animal reportedly bit a woman and subsequently charged at police personnel. The incident, which took place on the city’s West Side, resulted in injuries to the woman and the dog, and potentially damaged a nearby vehicle.
Photo: syracuse.com
Incident Details and Victim’s Injuries
Police were called to the 1200 block of West Onondaga Street shortly after 12:30 p.m. following reports of a dog bite, according to Sgt. Thomas Blake, a spokesperson for the Syracuse Police Department. Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman suffering from significant wounds to her hand. She received immediate medical attention at the scene before being transported by ambulance to Upstate University Hospital for further treatment. The dog, believed to be a pit bull with no identifiable owner, was at the center of the incident.
Officer-Involved Shooting and Investigation
As police conducted their investigation into the biting incident, the dog reportedly lunged at one of the responding officers. In response to the perceived threat, an officer deployed their department-issued firearm, firing at the animal. Authorities believe the dog was struck but managed to flee the immediate vicinity. The animal was later located nearby and transported to the Veterinary Medical Center of Central New York for care.
During the confrontation, there is a possibility that a vehicle was hit by a stray bullet; this aspect of the incident remains under investigation, Blake stated.
Aftermath and Ongoing Review
Officials confirmed that no police officers or other bystanders sustained injuries during the event. As is standard protocol for any instance where an officer discharges their weapon, the shooting is currently undergoing a comprehensive review by the department, Blake added.
